Monday 19 March 2012

NUJ welcomes judicial review of Dale Farm order


The NUJ has welcomed the decision to allow the union and broadcasting companies a judicial review of the production order forcing journalists, media organisations and broadcasters to handover film of the Dale Farm evictions to the police.

The union argues the Dale Farm case raises fundamental issues about the ability of the press to report matters of public interest impartially and without fear of intimidation.

The application is on behalf of NUJ member video journalist Jason N. Parkinson, the BBC, ITN, BskyB and Hardcash Productions.

Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ general secretary said: “The NUJ welcomes the decision to allow the judicial review to proceed.

"The media played a critical public interest role in reporting on Dale Farm and the case will have significant implications for the whole of our industry.

"Journalists are put in danger if footage gathered whilst reporting events is seized and used by the police.

"The NUJ’s code of conduct compels the union – and our members - to defend a vital principle, the protection of journalistic sources and material.

“This case is a defence of press freedom - journalists are not evidence gatherers for the police.”

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